Black Lion Records is a newer label, formed in 2015 in the northern Sweden city of Umeå. While a relatively small town, Umeå is nonetheless known as a hotbed of musical output, especially in the world of heavy metal, having been the breeding ground for such acts as Meshuggah, Naglfar, Cult of Luna, Refused, Nocturnal Rites, and many more, including a number of newer groups on Black Lion’s roster.

Another year means another rundown of what the calendar offered. 2016 was a good year (I also don’t believe in ‘bad’ years though…) with a lot of new faces in the scene. It was especially good for progenitors of doom and gloom, with many albums of that flavor making up this year’s list.